Arshad Farooq
Baramulla, Mar 14: The ongoing construction of the Delina flyover by the Jehlum Construction Company (JCC) has turned into a daily nightmare for commuters, students, and local residents. The entire stretch of the under-construction flyover is riddled with potholes, waterlogging, and severe traffic congestion, making travel an ordeal for thousands of people.
With no proper alternative route in place, school buses, passenger vehicles, and private cars are forced to navigate the broken road, often getting stuck in long traffic jams. The problem worsens during rains as water accumulates in potholes, turning the road into a muddy, slushy mess. Many commuters have reported vehicle breakdowns due to the poor road surface, while pedestrians struggle to cross the area safely.
School children are among the worst affected, as delays in traffic often make them late for classes. “Every morning, we get stuck in jams for at least 20 to 30 minutes. The road is in such bad condition that walking seems faster than driving,” said a local resident, Ishfaq Ahmad, whose children travel through the stretch daily.
Public transport drivers also express frustration. “We drive through this road every day, and it damages our vehicles. The authorities should at least provide a temporary solution until the flyover is complete,” said Ghulam Hassan, a bus driver.
Nearby residents of Delina and adjoining areas have raised concerns over dust pollution and waterlogging. “During dry weather, dust clouds make it difficult to breathe, and in the rain, the road turns into a swamp. We have repeatedly urged the authorities to address this, but no action has been taken,” said a local shopkeeper.
Despite several appeals from the public, there has been no immediate relief. Residents and commuters are now calling for urgent intervention from the district administration and the JCC to improve the road condition and implement traffic management measures to ease the suffering of thousands who rely on this route daily.
